Length · Unit Converter

Convert Microbarn to Shed

Convert microbarns to sheds instantly. 1 microbarn = 1e+18 shed — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Shed to Microbarn converter for the reverse conversion.

Written by Sunith Babu L, Ph.D., Lead Engineer Reviewed by Girish V Kulkarni Ph.D.
Length category 2 min read Published Last reviewed Updated

Units explained

Scientific / Physics

Microbarn

What is a microbarn?

A microbarn is a scientific unit of area equal to exactly 10⁻³⁴ m² (10⁻⁶ barn).

Origin of the microbarn

Derived from the barn using the standard SI micro- prefix. Identical in value to the humor unit 'outhouse'.

Where it is used

Microbarns appear in particle physics for moderately rare process cross-sections. They are widely used in heavy-ion physics and electroweak cross-section measurements.

When and where it was developed

Standard derivative of the barn unit.

Scientific / Physics

Shed

What is a shed?

A shed is a humorous physics unit of area equal to exactly 10⁻⁵² m² (10⁻²⁴ barn or 10⁻¹⁸ outhouse).

Origin of the shed

Coined by physicists in extending the 'barn' humor. If the barn is the large building, a 'shed' is much smaller.

Where it is used

Sheds are essentially theoretical and appear in physics jokes rather than serious literature. The actual interaction cross-sections at this scale would require extremely speculative beyond-Standard-Model physics.

When and where it was developed

Physics community humor; theoretical interest only.

Microbarn to Shed conversion formula

The relationship between microbarns and sheds:

1 µb = 1e+18 shed
1 shed = 1e-18 µb

To convert microbarns to sheds, multiply the value in microbarns by 1e+18. To reverse, multiply sheds by 1e-18.

How to use this converter

Type a value into the calculator. The result in sheds updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Shed to Microbarn converter for the reverse direction.

Step-by-step: convert microbarns to sheds

  1. Write down the value in microbarns (µb).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 1e+18.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in sheds (shed).
  4. To reverse, multiply the shed value by 1e-18.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 µb to shed:
1 × 1e+18 = 1e+18 shed

Example 2 — Convert 100 µb to shed:
100 × 1e+18 = 1e+20 shed

Real-world example — Wavelengths across the spectrum

Optical and atomic-scale phenomena are routinely cross-converted between sub-micron units. A photon of wavelength 800 microbarns can be re-expressed in sheds for direct comparison with another instrument's calibration data sheet.

800 µb × 1e+18 = 8e+20 shed

Real-world example — Molecular dimensions

The diameter of small molecular structures (around 2 microbarns) is often converted into related sub-micron units when comparing measurements across different microscopy techniques or imaging modalities.

2 µb × 1e+18 = 2e+18 shed

Microbarn to Shed conversion table

Standard reference values for converting microbarns to sheds:

Microbarn [µb]Shed [shed]
0.011e+16
0.11e+17
11e+18
22e+18
33e+18
44e+18
55e+18
101e+19
202e+19
303e+19
404e+19
505e+19
1001e+20
5005e+20
10001e+21

Frequently asked questions

How many sheds is 1 microbarn?
1 microbarn equals 1e+18 shed.
How do I convert microbarns to sheds?
Multiply the value in microbarns by 1e+18 to get sheds.
How do I convert sheds back to microbarns?
Multiply the value in sheds by 1e-18, or use the Shed to Microbarn converter.
How many sheds is 100 microbarns?
100 microbarns equals 1e+20 sheds, because 100 × 1e+18 = 1e+20.

Convert Microbarn to other area units

Show all Microbarn conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 µb = 1e+18 shed) verified against the following authoritative sources:

Results are provided for general reference. Verify critical measurements against an authoritative standard.